Tag: George Holani

Seahawks elevate RB George Holani from practice squad

Seahawks elevate RB George Holani from practice squad

For the second-straight week, the Seattle Seahawks are elevating undrafted rookie running back George Holani from the practice squad. Sunday night will mark the third game of the season the former Boise State Bronco will be a member of the active 53-man roster.

This news comes on the heels of starter Kenneth Walker III being listed as DOUBTFUL. Last week, Walker was downgraded to OUT on Saturday, prompting Holani’s elevation. The fact Holani is already being elevated does not bode well for Walker’s availability (or lack thereof) for the Week 15 showdown against the Packers.

In Walker’s absence last week, Zach Charbonnet had himself a whale of game. He rushed 22 times for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Behind him will be former seventh round pick out of Georgia Kenny McIntosh.

Charbonnet and McIntosh will likely get the majority of snaps, leaving Holani for special teams. However, Holani is still a strong runner. It remains to be seen if he will get a snap or two to show what he can bring to the table.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]

Can RB George Holani make an impact for the Seahawks?

Can RB George Holani make an impact for the Seahawks?

The Seattle Seahawks were dealt a brutal blow on Saturday when it was announced running back Kenneth Walker III was ruled OUT. Seattle will have to compete in the Week 14 rematch without their best ball carrier. With Walker no longer active, filling his place is rookie running back George Holani, who was elevated off the practice squad.

Holani turned plenty of heads this preseason, when he rumbled his way to 66 total yards on 17 carries in his three games. He even managed to find the end zone twice, including the first touchdown of the exhibition season for the Seahawks. The question now shifts to Week 14 – can Holani make an impact for a Seattle offense struggling to run the ball?

The Seahawks have not had more than 285 total yards of offense in four of their last five games, and are really struggling getting anything going on the ground. The main culprit of this problem is of course Seattle’s atrocious offensive line. Surely backup Zach Charbonnet will get the lion’s share of carries in Walker’s absence, and I would not be surprised if third-stringer Kenny McIntosh gets some looks as well.

However, I don’t think Holani should be ignored from the game plan. He has only suited up in one game this year, a Week 2 road trip to play the New England Patriots. The Seahawks, at times this year under Ryan Grubb, have abandoned the run far too early. Yes, they struggle to get things going on the ground, but there are other times where they move off the run when they do not have to do so. Perhaps Holani can provide a bit of a spark to a Seahawks team that are underdogs for an eighth-straight week.

 

Seahawks elevate RB George Holani and T McClendon Curtis to active roster

Seahawks elevate RB George Holani and T McClendon Curtis to active roster

The Seattle Seahawks listed starting running back Kenneth Walker III and right tackle George Fant as DOUTBFUL headed into Week 2. While no official word has been given as of now about their game status, we can read the tea leaves.

And the tea leaves say running back George Holani and tackle McClendon Curtis have been elevated off the practice squad.

Before the Walker injury, the Seahawks had three running backs on their active roster. Walker himself, Zach Charbonnet, and Kenny McIntosh. Despite a strong preseason from Holani – 15 carries for 66 yards and two touchdowns – it was not enough to convince Seattle to roster four running backs. Fortunately, Holani cleared Waivers and the Seahawks were able to bring him back to their practice squad.

As for McClendon Curtis, he was originally signed off the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad last year, and he found himself back on Seattle’s practice squad after being cut during the 53-man roster deadline this August.

Now, both have made their way back to the active roster just in time for Week 2 against the New England Patriots.

More Seahawks Wire stories

Tua Tagovailoa likely to miss Week 3 game vs. Seahawks

Patriots to honor 10-year anniversary of Super Bowl XLIX in Week 2

Seahawks to wear whit jerseys with blue pants in Week 2

Seahawks bring back LB Jamie Sheriff to practice squad

5 most important Seattle Seahawks practice squad signings

5 most important Seattle Seahawks practice squad signings

The Seattle Seahawks officially announced a 15-man practice squad on Wednesday afternoon. No, general manager John Schneider didn’t retain every talent via the practice squad that he probably wanted to. The Carolina Panthers claimed ex Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan and EDGE Jamie Sheriff on waivers, potentially altering Schneider’s plans.

Schneider and the Seahawks still put together an intriguing practice squad. Mixing veterans with developmental rookies, Seattle’s backup squad has a healthy balance of players that could immediately help and ones that could turn into long-term contributors. With that in mind, we’ve identified the five most important practice squad signings.

George Holani, RB

Many believed the Seahawks would retain four running backs on the active roster, but Schneider stuck with just three. Sophomore back Kenny McIntosh won the RB3 job, and the Seahawks choose to pass undrafted rookie George Holani through waivers. Thankfully, Holani cleared, and has been placed on the practice squad after rushing for 65 yards and two touchdowns during the preseason.

Artie Burns, CB

Veteran cornerback Artie Burns wasn’t subject to the waiver wire process because he’s a vested veteran. Burns could have signed with any team of his choosing after being released, but he opted to re-join the Seahawks via the practice squad. Retaining the experienced cover-man, who occasionally worked with the first-team defense in training camp as the nickel corner, was a big victory for Schneider.

Michael Barrett, LB

The Seahawks acquired rookie linebacker Michael Barrett in a trade with the Carolina Panthers in exchange for cornerback Mike Jackson. Seattle still waived Barrett, but managed to get him back on the practice squad. He’ll spend the season developing under coaches he’s familiar with from his time at Michigan, including special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh.

McClendon Curtis, IOL

Sophomore blocker McClendon Curtis spent the majority of last season on the 53-man roster. This offseason, he proved versatile enough to work at both offensive tackle and his more prominent guard positions. If the Seahawks suffer an injury across the offensive line, Curtis will be ready to join the game-day roster.

Easop Winston Jr., WR

Eason Winston Jr. was Seattle’s most productive wide receiver throughout the preseason. He posted team-highs in receptions (8), receiving yards (99), and touchdowns (1). The Seahawks were deep at wideout, so Winston Jr. had to settle for a developmental spot on the practice squad.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

RB George Holani and 14 others signed to Seahawks practice squad

RB George Holani and 14 others signed to Seahawks practice squad

The Seattle Seahawks have their official active roster set, and now they have their practice squad ready to go as well. Among those on the team are a few notable names, such as running back George Holani, wide receiver Easop Winston Jr., and linebacker Michael Barrett who the team acquired in a trade with the Carolina Panthers.

Keeping these players in the Seahawks system is certainly a win, especially in the case of Holani. He played well in the preseason, and could be a good insurance piece should something happen injury wise to any of Seattle’s top three running backs.

Here is the full list of the practice squad, as announced by the team via their Twitter page:

  • LB Michael Barrett
  • DT Kyon Barrs
  • S Marquise Blair
  • CB Artie Burns
  • T McClendon Curtis
  • T Garret Greenfield
  • RB George Holani
  • DE DeVere Levelston
  • TE Tyler Mabry
  • LB Patrick O’Connell
  • S Ty Okada
  • G Raiqwon O’Neal
  • T Max Pircher
  • WR Cody White
  • WR Easop Winston Jr.

 

More Seahawks Wire stories

Seahawks officially set their 53-man roster

Full list of Seahawks roster cuts for 2024

Seahawks lose Jamie Sheriff and Jon Rhattigan to waiver claims

Abe Lucas to start the season on the PUP list

Full list of 2024 Seahawks roster cuts

Full list of 2024 Seahawks roster cuts

The NFL’s deadline of 4:00 pm Eastern/1:00 pm Pacific to make the final roster cuts has come and gone. The Seattle Seahawks have officially set their 53-man roster, and the full team can be seen here.

Unfortunately, this means there are plenty of young men who will not be suiting up in Action Green and College Navy when Week 1 rolls around. Below is the full list of players who were waived, cut, and placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

Waived:

  • LB Sundiata Anderson
  • LB Michael Barrett 
  • DT Kyon Barrs
  • CB Lance Boykin
  • LB Nelson Ceaser
  • T McClendon Curtis
  • WR Dee Eskridge
  • TE Michael Ezeike
  • TE Devon Garrison
  • LB Easton Gibbs
  • T Garret Greenfield
  • WR Hayden Hatten
  • RB George Holani
  • CB D.J. James
  • CB Carlton Johnson
  • DT Mario Kendricks
  • DE DeVere Levelston
  • RB Kobe LEwis
  • TE Tyler Mabry
  • LB Patrick O’Connell
  • S Ty Okada
  • G Raiqwon O’Neal
  • T Max Pircher
  • LB Jon Rhattigan
  • RB Kairee Robinson
  • WR Ty Scott
  • LB Jamie Sheriff
  • WR Cody White
  • WR Easop Winston Jr.

Terminated Veteran Contract:

  • S marquise Blair
  • CB Artie Burns
  • LB Blake Lynch
  • QB PJ Walker

Waived/Injured

  • TE Jack Westover

Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform

  • T Abe Lucas
  • S Jerrick Reed II
  • NT Cameron Young

More Seahawks Wire stories

Seahawks acquire EDGE Trevis Gipson from Jaguars

Seahawks waive rookie cornerback DJ James

Seahawks waive running back George Holani

Seahawks cut cornerback Willie Roberts

Uchenna Nwosu sends message to Seahawks fans via social media

Seahawks waive RB George Holani

Seahawks waive RB George Holani

In one of the bigger surprise moves, the Seattle Seahawks have waived running back George Holani. Undrafted out of Boise State, the former Bronco was one of the more notable players during the preseason, as he battled with seventh rounder Kenny McIntosh to be the third string running back. Now, he’s headed to the waiver wire.

Both McIntosh and Holani played well in the preseason. Overall, Holani rushed 15 times for 66 yards and two touchdowns. But it wasn’t just what he brought to the ground attack. Holani proved his worth in blocking as well, something the Seahawks are always in desperate need of given their weaknesses along the offensive line.

Overall, it is understandable that Holani lost the battle to McIntosh. The deciding factor was likely in the Week 2 loss to the Titans, where the Seahawks fell 16-15 and could not run the ball at all in the second half. In that game, Holani had all of three yards on two rushes, whereas McIntosh had 46 yards on eight carries.

However, it is still a bit surprising to see Seattle let him go. His performance seemed worthy enough to keep on the team. If he is able to clear the waiver wire, he will be an excellent candidate to return to the practice squad.

But, that is a pretty big “if” at this point.

More Seahawks Wire stories

Seahawks acquire EDGE Trevis Gipson from Jaguars

Seahawks waive rookie cornerback DJ James

Did Dee Eskridge do enough to make the Seahawks roster?

Seahawks cut cornerback Willie Roberts

Uchenna Nwosu sends message to Seahawks fans via social media

Did Seahawks preseason Week 2 indicate who’s winning RB3 battle?

Did Seahawks preseason Week 2 indicate who’s winning RB3 battle?

One of the biggest remaining positional battles on the Seattle Seahawks’ roster is the perceived one at No. 3 running back. While the Seahawks are still searching for their starting right guard between Christian Haynes and Anthony Bradford, the ongoing competition between Kenny McIntosh and George Holani is also capturing intrigue.

Seattle’s Week 2 preseason defeat to the Tennessee Titans could have hinted at how head coach Mike Macdonald and his staff currently see things. McIntosh received the bulk of the workload against the Titans, easily leading all backs in the snap count with 23 plays, accounting for more than 52% of Seattle’s offensive plays. McIntosh did a fantastic job maximizing those opportunities.

McIntosh rushed for 46 yards via eight carries, averaging an explosive 5.8 yards per carry. His longest run of the day picked up 12, and the former Georgia standout also recorded two receptions for 17 additional yards. McIntosh flashed dual-threat ability, paired with a decisive running style.

Meanwhile Holani earned just nine offensive snaps. The undrafted free agent from Boise State rushed twice for three yards. There are multiple ways to interpret Holani’s lack of usage in Nashville. He’s been impressive all offseason long, making it likely Seattle’s decision-making brass has seen enough from him on offense and special teams to make their determination.

Perhaps the aforementioned “RB3” battle is no battle at all. Sophomore running back Zach Charbonnet has been nursing a lower body injury. Though he recently returned to practice in pads, the Seahawks may ease him back in. Retaining both McIntosh and Holani remains a distinct possibility.

Macdonald’s usage of both McIntosh and Holani versus the Titans indicate they’re in good graces. McIntosh put forth a convincing performance that proved he still belongs. Holani has shown enough to warrant a roster spot.

Seattle should keep both McIntosh and Holani when trimming down their roster to 53 next week.

More Seahawks Wire stories

Injury update to Seahawks RT Abe Lucas

Connor Williams partakes in his first practice with Seahawks

Seahawks fall 16-15 to Titans in preseason Week 2

5 takeaways from Seattle’s loss to Tennessee

Backup Seahawks players to watch vs. Titans in preseason Week 2

Backup Seahawks players to watch vs. Titans in preseason Week 2

The Seattle Seahawks concluded their two-day joint practices with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday. The final of two shared sessions was particularly physical and taxing. Head coach Mike Macdonald will respond by letting the second-and-third stringers play the majority of Saturday’s preseason game.

There’s a decent chance not a single of Seattle’s 22 projected starters will take a snap versus the Titans. It will represent the best opportunity for fringe roster players to make their case ahead of 53-man roster cutdowns. We’ve identified backup talents worth monitoring against the Titans.

George Holani, RB

Undrafted running back George Holani is attempting to win the RB3 job from sophomore Kenny McIntosh. Holani rushed for 24 yards and a touchdown in Seattle’s first preseason game. He should receive an extended look versus the Titans after getting some first-team reps at joint practice.

Easop Winston Jr., WR

Eason Winston Jr. was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded Seahawks player in their Week 1 preseason game. Winston recorded two receptions for 31 receiving yards, including an explosive 21-yard gain. He’s attempting to capture a reserve roster spot at receiver behind D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Jake Bobo.

Brady Russell, TE

Sophomore tight end Brady Russell scored Seattle’s only passing touchdown last weekend, catching a 13-yard score from Sam Howell. Russell should play a lot on Saturday with starting tight end Noah Fant nursing a minor injury that’s likely to keep him sidelined for a meaningless exhibition game.

Carlton Johnson, CB

Seahawks undrafted cornerback Carlton Johnson consistently put forth strong reps during one-on-one drills with the Titans receivers. There’s a lot of competition at reserve cornerback with the Seahawks having drafted two rookies in Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James. Johnson needs to carry over his joint practice performances into Saturday’s game.

Tyrice Knight, LB

Fifth-round rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight put forth an eye-opening performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first preseason game. Knight should see another heavy workload versus the Titans with Jerome Baker and Jon Rhattigan nursing injuries. The other projected starter, Tyrel Dodson, is unlikely to play as well.

Easton Gibbs, LB

Undrafted rookie Easton Gibbs is in his second stint with the Seahawks already. He was waived earlier this summer after signing with the team as a UDFA after the 2024 NFL Draft. Macdonald needed bodies at off-ball linebacker for joint practices with Baker and Rhattigan being non-participants. Gibbs needs to take advantage of increased play-time on Saturday.

More Seahawks Wire stories

Seahawks to hold joint practices for the first time since 1991

Trash talk reigns supreme between the Seahawks and Titans

Position battles to monitor in Seahawks-Titans joint practices

Byron Murphy reportedly dominating the Titans

Riq Woolen continues to make plays 

RB3 battle to take center stage for Seahawks in Week 2 preseason game

RB3 battle to take center stage for Seahawks in Week 2 preseason game

The Seattle Seahawks concluded joint practices with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday and Thursday. Due to the physical nature of those padded sessions, head coach Mike Macdonald has confirmed that very few (or even none) starters will play in the preseason game on Saturday. Starting running back Kenneth Walker III is one of the studs expected to sit.

Backup ball carrier Zach Charbonnet missed both practices with the Titans with a minor injury and will almost certainly miss Saturday’s exhibition contest. That should place increased emphasis on the ongoing position battle between Kenny McIntosh and George Holani to be the team’s No. 3 back.

McIntosh, a sophomore seventh-round pick, entered camp as the slight favorite. Seahawks general manager John Schneider liked Holani, who he notably offered $115,000 in guaranteed salary during undrafted free agency. McIntosh and Holani have been entrenched in a battle ever since.

McIntosh rushed for a team-high 40 yards in the preseason Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. McIntosh averaged five yards per carry via eight opportunities. Holani was impressive in his own right, rushing for 24 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Holani’s score was an impressive 11 yard scamper.

Mike Macdonald and his coaching staff have consistently shuffled the order. In Wednesday’s practice, Holani consistently worked with the first-team offense alongside Walker at running back, according to Bob Condotta. That theme generally continued at Thursday’s session, with one notable change. When the offense conducted it’s final two-minute drill, McIntosh entered at running back, per Condotta.

The Seahawks are encouraged by their running back depth. Competition has helped develop both McIntosh and Holani. The battle could be settled this weekend. McIntosh and Holani are unlikely to receive better opportunities than Saturday’s preseason contest will represent to convince the coaching staff they deserve the 53-man roster spot.

More Seahawks Wire stories

Seahawks to hold joint practices for the first time since 1991

Trash talk reigns supreme between the Seahawks and Titans

Position battles to monitor in Seahawks-Titans joint practices

Byron Murphy reportedly dominating the Titans

Riq Woolen continues to make plays